The reunification of the Russian Orthodox (ROC) and Russian Church abroad (ROCOR) 10 years ago led to the implementation of many joint social, youth and other projects, and allowed representatives of the two churches «get to know each other,» said the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill at the opening on Wednesday of the Council of bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The Russian Orthodox Church abroad (ROCA) originated in the 1920-ies and joined emigrated or found themselves in exile after the revolution of 1917 and the civil war in Russia the part of the clergy. In 2007 was signed the Act of canonical communion of the Russian Orthodox Church and ROCOR, ROCOR has made a self-governing part of the ROC.

«Together we thanked God for the precious gift of unity bestowed on it 10 years ago. Over the years, bishops, clergy and laity, previously separated as a result of historical circumstances of the past, to better know each other. This contributed to many joint projects, particularly among youth», — said the Patriarch.

However, he added, it is important that efforts have been made to the «implementation or a new understanding of the proposals that were put forward in the days of the signing of the «Act of canonical communion» and during the preparatory work for this historic event.» The Patriarch explained that it is a «regularization of the canonical situation of the dioceses and parishes of the Russian Diaspora».